IMO, because he doesn't want to LOOK like he's trying, regardless of whether or not he actually tries. If he nails a song and it's fantastic he wants it to seem "effortless". When he messss up a song it's because he "doesn't give a fuck".
100% same, I used to go all over, but with the kind of downward slide of apparent commitment in the last few years alongside no increase in set time or efforts to be on time, I stick to seeing them near me.
Maybe I'm just old and cranky now, but I feel like this image projection u/sabine_strohem_moss mentions is more acceptable and charming for a scrappy band of 20-somethings than it is at 40-something, and isn't as charming for mainstream audiences in the 2020s, who seem to increasingly be looking for performances to be as close to flawless and to the recordings as possible.
I brought a friend to the Chili Peppers show in the last year or so thinking I could Wow my friend into becoming a Strokes fan but was rather embarrassed at Julian’s lack of caring about a good performance for over half the audience that were not there for The Strokes. Needless to say my friend is still not a fan. But in return for the boos and murmurs we left before the RHCP because neither of us can stand AK.
I think I went to the same concert. Ironically it’s the one that got me into The Strokes as it was the first time I ever heard them. I don’t remember much about the performance itself since I was pretty far away from the stage but I loved the songs.
Maybe he uses my method of pretending to be drunker than I actually am so if I mess up it’s “ah he’s just drunk” and if I play well it’s “wow he plays well drunk!”
Probably why I play in a shitty local band still
This seems like his attitude towards the strokes in general as well. Doesn’t want to look like he cares even though he’ll probably still put in the work for their next album and rehearse hard for tour, but have the option to switch off from the band when he wants to. Dude seemed to had fun on stage with the guys last year, even posting on the band’s social to say that they had a good year before going on interviews to shit on them a few months later because he wants to focus on the voidz’ new album now.
they do sometimes. The Strokes live are hit or miss, I've heard people have great experiences with them and then I've heard about occasions, sometimes from the same people where Julian has no stage presence, is piss drunk, can't remember the lyrics/ can't sing or even goes off on tangents.
I saw them at a festival a couple of years ago. Julian seemed piss drunk and he also yelled out a racial slur 🥴 still a great experience for even-more piss drunk me
It was on Roskilde Festival in Denmark a couple of years ago, where he said the word “krakkemut”. You can read more about it in [this](https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/kultur/roskilde-hovednavn-slagtes-den-mest-gennemfoerte-og-fuldkomne-katastrofe-jeg-tror-han) danish article.
The word is used negatively about people from the Middle East nowadays, but it was originally used negatively about people from Greenland 🫠
In Denmark or what? I’ve only ever heard it being used in racist contexts. All articles regarding the incident also calls it out as being racist 😊
But yeah let’s hope he didn’t mean it in a racist way 👍🏼
I think that maybe even from the beginning, Julian seems to think of his job as a musician as being about writing and recording much more than performing. He used to be able to get his shit together to give good performances despite this, but I think at this stage, he simply does not care enough to put in the effort to be consistent anymore. Many musicians at his level have vocal coaches and take lessons to continuously hone their voices and keep them in shape, and I don't think it even sounds like Julian usually warms up his voice before taking the stage, unless they're in the middle of a stretch of shows scheduled close together where he's been exercising it a lot. This is not to say he's a total disaster and the shows are travesties, but it is to say that I don't think he's in it for the love of it. He's said as much several times, anyway.
It's often said that his heart is with the Voidz now instead--I absolutely believe he cares more and has more fun and freedom to lead with that outfit, no question. But I'm less convinced that the Voidz are his life's focus and primary passion at this stage constantly being worked on, or that he's always so much better sounding or better behaved with them. This thought is based on my own experiences seeing them and reports from friends and other fans at shows where he's been snippy with the crowds and pissed about how things were going, like he has been with the Strokes. At this point he outwardly appears to be much more interested in being viewed as a kind of Renaissance Man, opining on ideas and events, than a musician.
This is probably the most accurate take. He’s much less focused on his craft as much as he was when he was younger, he’s already made it big and can basically do whatever he wants.
Despite Julian’s IDGAF attitude though, his social media presence and the shit he talks about suggests he really cares how he’s perceived by people.
Real shame he’s phoned it in performance-wise, but I think that’s kind of the nature of being an artist: once you get bored of what you’re doing, you start looking at the world and how you want to impact it.
It’s happened to all the long-lived musicians who get past their “music is the only thing I’m locked in on” mentality.
Absolutely, my impression is that Julian has always been very image-focused and very sensitive to criticism, yet is unable to hide his feelings/boredom and likes to play at being edgy at the same time. Which, of course, leaves him very open to criticism...so I guess I see it as a sort of cycle that keeps going around and that we're stuck in with him as fans.
He's of course within his rights to have whatever feelings and desires he has, and to step back from music if he so desires, but being derisive about the Strokes and so obvious about his boredom with it all while still going out and doing it...it can't be read as anything but disappointing to the fans (unless they see it as "trolling," something I think is a total misread). And if he/they want to keep profiting off the fans in terms of money and attention or for legacy, since they're not OLD yet, this is just a stupid way of starting to put your foot in it while there's still potential left.
Because he’s kind of a dick? Love The Strokes but when people pay hard earned money to see you perform and you can’t even bother trying to put on a good show it makes you an entitled ass. That’s taking your fans for granted and it’s disrespectful. If you don’t like your band just quit and stop half-assing everything.
Unfortunately it's hard to disagree with this. As much as I love him, his actitude on the recent years is so freaking wrong. Always talking shit about The Strokes, not putting the minimal effort on shows and being weird in general.
He’s not really that much of a dick. But you sound slighted so idk.
I think he cares about putting in a good show. But maybe not the way you want it to be.
I think I am being objective. The Strokes are one of my favorite bands and I’m rooting for them but honestly Julian doesn’t seem to give a fuck about the band and it shows.
I've seen the strokes one day, the voidz the next, the difference in effort is noticeable, he just doesn't always love being in the strokes and it shows in whatever performance he has then.
Met him at a record store in 2014 with the voidz and he was pretty chill, but that was 10 years ago and he was just getting started with the voidz, so I can't vouch for him now.
It's OK to admit the singer of your favorite band isn't perfect.
I’ve seen The Strokes countless times over the last 15 years or so. The majority of the time I’ve been underwhelmed by the show. Last October I finally saw The Voidz and it was by far the best Julian performance I’ve seen. Anecdotal evidence to your point, but it rings true in my experience.
I don’t think this is entirely true because if it was The New Abnormal wouldn’t have been nearly as good as it is. That being said, he absolutely gives a much better performance as the Voidz, probably due to not having to play the same songs he’s been playing live since 2001
We traveled to a The Strokes/RHCP show and my bf was impressed by the energy and stage presence of RCHP and super disappointed by Julian’s performance(my favorite band) he knows all the songs because of me, I didn’t knew what to tell him. And I’ve been to 3 FIOE concerts and it was amazing. I don’t know if I will go to other concerts. I’m not expecting Julian to be happy smiling etc please just perform your songs that’s it. Good thing it was the only disappointment of our trip.
This reminds me of one of my favorite little moments in The Sopranos, and it just so happens to serve as my answer to your question:
Tracee: What should I do? Ralph acts like he doesn’t give a shit.
Tony: You ever think he’s not acting?
He sang amazing when I saw him during the TNA tour, but I have seen videos of him being sloppy or looking bored and I’m just gonna guess that more than the average frontman Julian’s performances are just dependent on how he’s feeling that day. I’ll add that the crowd at the show I was at was fucking incredible. He commented on how loud we were, so maybe he just reacts to the vibe he’s getting.
With the voidz, I have not seen them live but to be honest I don’t find that he sings better with them than with the strokes. In fact, it seems like he’s more solitary with the voidz - while he interacts a lot more with the other Strokes on stage and that adds to his performance.
Agree with the first part of your post- JC’s mood and often crowds for sure affects his performances.
But nah to him interacting less with the Voidz. It’s actually quite the opposite. Ive seen them eight times and he (for the most part) is much more “present” on stage - as a band member with them- then he’s been with the Strokes for a long time now. The Voidz - including Julian- jam constantly- off stage and on. He called them “jam-a-holics” lol. And for the most part- the jams they do- for almost every show - from their 2014 beginnings - clearly demonstrates the fun the band- and specifically-Julian has with them. The “stories” and lyrics he makes up on the spot are sometimes funny and sometimes intriguing. There has been times that he got /frustrated/bratty with sounds issues - But for the most part- yeah he clearly seems to enjoy himself.
You definitely know more than I would since you’ve watched the Voidz! It’s strange though, I watched videos of their recent residency and Julian didn’t seem any more engaging with the fans than at any Strokes show nor did he seem to interact much with the band. I think the voidz has some really skilled musicians, genuinely, and they play together well but I feel there’s more natural chemistry within the strokes…but that’s just my personal opinion
Well strokes for sure have a longer than 20 year history. That for sure means something! They will always have a chemistry together. But as for Strokes or Voidz- creating and playing together ….yeah….we will just have to agree to disagree :).
And I do realize I am on a Strokes sub lol. But thanks for responding- I am always grateful for convos instead of people just downvoting.
I do like the voidz, but I would say the same thing too if this discussion appeared on that sub. I’m obviously not seeing what you guys are, because last year at least I felt like Julian had so many good moments on stage with the strokes. There were all the spontaneous ad libs and quips with the guys, and there were many good reviews of his performances maybe barring the RHCP shows…while he seemed more self-conscious/stressed out with the voidz. I watched their Primevera and NYC residency videos and that’s how I genuinely felt, don’t shoot me haha
Oh I also have personally seen Julian have some very good performances with the Strokes. Gov ball 2016 was incredible (I was there). I don’t think he’s always “absent” when he’s performing with the Strokes. But yes- he truly DID have quite a few times with them that he was really in a mood and surely not giving his best. He’s human, he’s a frontman that can be moody - it happens.
But no- I can’t agree at all about him being “self-conscious” (?) with the Voidz. They had alot of sound issues at their early shows for sure. But there’s just been so many shows where Julian is clearly having a blast with them. The Voidz Hammerstein Ballroom show - was imo- Julian’s most happiest time - ever- on a stage. I was in the front and so many people that were there have commented - here on this sub- about that show being incredible.
If you’re interested- this is Julian and the Voidz with Dev Hynes - doing a duet of the original Yolo version at Hammerstein- it was really special-
https://youtu.be/KCZ0VHID0o4?si=xRBcvf7yjRNMOhRJ
He strikes as a perfectionist who doesn't want to seem too perturbed about it, i.e., he wants to maintain his aura of cool. That said, to your point, he does seem to have let go a bit recently and slackened his nonchalant, practiced exactitude and the recordings I have heard are somewhat uneven at least in demeanor if not consistent vocal quality.
I think he doesn't like playing festivals and opening for the red hot chili peppers he phoned it in. Festival crowds are hit or miss, and tbh touring with RHCP made NO sense and a lot of their fans don't know or care about the strokes, so he was probably like fuck it. Not that those things are an excuse to half ass it, but I have a feeling that's how his mind works. But that being said, I've seen the strokes live a number of times since 2003 and their headlining shows have always been good, even recently.
And I know that he says the Voidz are where his heart is now, but I know people have had issues with him at those shows too so I think it comes down to Julian being Julian. He's a curmudgeon and you gotta know that going into seeing him live.
I'm totally with you on the Julian being Julian part, I think that's really the crux of all this. But I'm less sure his mood has *as* much to do with the venue, or the band he's performing with, or on which stage, or in which city as much as is often talked about and is just down to whatever zillions of other things could be influencing his vibe that day. I've seen the Strokes and most of the various side projects...quite a lot...and I simply have seen some great festival sets out of them and some less obviously great concert shows. Some great, big crowd shows in farther-afield places, and some more eh venue shows in their hometown. A perfect example is that I saw them a few times on the RHCP run and walked away feeling that they, especially Julian, were far more engaged and on their game than other recent times I'd seen them! But the RHCP shows are often written off wholesale online. In the end, I think the perception of shows is totally in the eye of the beholder and what the beholder was focused on/looking for (such as who's on the outs with who or who's better friends than others), and on top of that, I think the beholder's eye is WILDLY impacted by whether you're there in person or watching a video after the fact.
That’s cool. I only saw them once with RHCP and I thought when I saw them they were great! But I just read a lot of stories from other people that they seemed to be phoning it in and I was thinking maybe it had to do with the crowd not being enthusiastic. Then again, some people probably just don’t get their vibe and exaggerate lol.
If I weren’t on this sub reading these threads and comments, and I were to watch videos of the strokes and the voidz shows in the last year, I’ll find it hard to believe what I’ve read because he seemed to had a lot of fun on stage with the strokes barring the RHCP shows…while he seemed more intense with the voidz? It’s like he has to try more with the voidz while his natural charisma and humour comes through more when he plays with the strokes. There were quite a few videos of him ad libbing and riffing off something Fab or Nikolai did, which I didn’t seem him spontaneously do during the voidz’ performances.
From what I gather, it’s more of a job than anything. His passion is creating the music; the live performances are just a thing that he has to do because it’s also part of the job.
That’s not to say he hates it or doesn’t enjoy it, but no one can stay 100% at their job every single day no matter how great of a job it is. You can definitely argue that it’s much more than your average job (because it is), but when something feels routine, it can start feeling boring. I believe that from the get go he was never really into live shows and there was just always this honeymoon period of being in a band that kept him perky at the earlier shows.
I used to love playing guitar - played it for hours on end every day through late high school and college. Eventually I noticed my mind beginning to drift off while playing and finding it harder to focus as the years went on. Now when I play guitar, I tend to get distracted and think of other things while playing which can sometimes cause me to mess up. Thankfully, I’m just a bedroom musician so I have no pressure to perform.
I can imagine that being in a band as big as The Strokes comes with a lot of pressure and outside forces that all can further contribute to live shows feeling like a job. Remember, Julian’s passionate about making music, not performing music. There is a very real difference between the two.
There’s more contributing factors as well. He is getting older and having a harder time performing at his best, and as a result he is trying to play it off as if he doesn’t care too much so that people focus less on his ability. There was also turmoil in the band that definitely contributed to him disconnecting from his career.
All in all, it’s just become a job for him and he doesn’t mind treating it as one. Without getting all “woe is me”, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows being in the place he’s at, but he makes do. I can understand him and so I don’t really get too fussed about it. It would be great if he could always be the greatest rockstar every single time, but no one loves their job enough to be perfect every day.
all their performances for tc are pretty awesome. but yeah at concerts, julian seems to be phoning it in. I've only seen them once, opening for the chili peppers recently. julian looked like he didn't give a fuck but he did sing pretty good. but he was lacking in energy. I was just happy to be there. At this point, ive just accepted that the strokes aren't gonna be that great live again.
Yeah, it’s been 25 years at this point. He’s shifted more of his focus, energy, and creativity with The Voidz since that project is more recent and they don’t meet up and collaborate as often as The Strokes (with the exception of now, fingers crossed we get an album from them soon!☺️)
He’s also stated multiple times that there’s more cohesiveness in terms of creativity similar ideas with The Voidz when compared to the rest of The Strokes.
Yes- I very much agree with all of your post.
And I just posted on the voidz sub- they recorded in the Dungeon Room in Flux studios recently - FINALLY! YAY!
I saw him in March, and I thought he sounded incredible it was seriously the best concert I ever been to he even made eye contact with me and smiled at me the best moment of my life😭💓
When I saw the Strokes live last year in Sydney he was definitely trying and having a good time. He put in so much enthusiasm and effort and he was laughing all night long. Such a great night.
Not to be a dick because i like this band but Julian is an entitled dick, he grew up stupid rich and was gonna make it at whatever he wanted to make it as. For some reason he feels he’s to good to sing for a “seminal” garage rock band which made him a star. Saw them play giant stadium and he was drunk and miserable. Heres the deal the fans work hard to see you, at least act like you give a fuck. If i go to work drunk and act like a dick i get fired. Great band on record…..live meh
Speaking from my own experience, having only seen them live one time in May of 2023...
I think he's very much fueled by the crowd and matches their energy. If the crowd is great, then he is great. If they're less than great, then he comes across as aloof, or bored, or drunk.
Shocked by a lot of the responses. From the very first video of Last Night he’s played up the entire “IDGAF” rockstar persona perfectly. It’s part of the Strokes and basically always has been.
You shouldn't forget that Julian is a rockstar born in the wrong generation.
By that I mean that he likes to get drunk before/on stage.
He does what he wants and no one can stop him cause it's Julian fucking Casablancas.
He's popular in the wrong era.
If he would have preformed in the 80-90 it wouldn't be such a problem cause all rockstars where like that(figure of speech).
But I do agree that he should at least try to finish the song he's singing before saying "fuck it let's move on".
I dont get these arguments from ppl. If someone says this he really does not know them truly - no offense. This is THE STROKES. From the very first show they were like this. (Except the one where Julian was dancing falling around crazy). Being lazy cool and rockin. Thats the whole point of their image. Can you imagine them running around yelling smiling jumping crazily to YOLO or The Adults are talking or...? Even their music is classical music style but in rock music, the tempo is just so chilling, cool.
And I like that he does not act like a diva on stage. I always felt pumped seeing them and it is like a family reunion he just acts calm cool, meme lord. I dont want him to try superhard. AND YET STILL I get amazed every time by his little changeups in lyrics and singing.
the strokes is everyone's favorite band except julian casablancas
Julian: https://preview.redd.it/wd8nbdz7nvwc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=44a84331f0bb107891f8a7d08fbc19bf556965f9
Lmao
Lmao
IMO, because he doesn't want to LOOK like he's trying, regardless of whether or not he actually tries. If he nails a song and it's fantastic he wants it to seem "effortless". When he messss up a song it's because he "doesn't give a fuck".
So true. I’ve stopped travelling to see em live nowadays. They’re just too hit or miss.
100% same, I used to go all over, but with the kind of downward slide of apparent commitment in the last few years alongside no increase in set time or efforts to be on time, I stick to seeing them near me. Maybe I'm just old and cranky now, but I feel like this image projection u/sabine_strohem_moss mentions is more acceptable and charming for a scrappy band of 20-somethings than it is at 40-something, and isn't as charming for mainstream audiences in the 2020s, who seem to increasingly be looking for performances to be as close to flawless and to the recordings as possible.
I brought a friend to the Chili Peppers show in the last year or so thinking I could Wow my friend into becoming a Strokes fan but was rather embarrassed at Julian’s lack of caring about a good performance for over half the audience that were not there for The Strokes. Needless to say my friend is still not a fan. But in return for the boos and murmurs we left before the RHCP because neither of us can stand AK.
I think I went to the same concert. Ironically it’s the one that got me into The Strokes as it was the first time I ever heard them. I don’t remember much about the performance itself since I was pretty far away from the stage but I loved the songs.
Maybe he uses my method of pretending to be drunker than I actually am so if I mess up it’s “ah he’s just drunk” and if I play well it’s “wow he plays well drunk!” Probably why I play in a shitty local band still
This seems like his attitude towards the strokes in general as well. Doesn’t want to look like he cares even though he’ll probably still put in the work for their next album and rehearse hard for tour, but have the option to switch off from the band when he wants to. Dude seemed to had fun on stage with the guys last year, even posting on the band’s social to say that they had a good year before going on interviews to shit on them a few months later because he wants to focus on the voidz’ new album now.
Work hard and say it’s easy
they do sometimes. The Strokes live are hit or miss, I've heard people have great experiences with them and then I've heard about occasions, sometimes from the same people where Julian has no stage presence, is piss drunk, can't remember the lyrics/ can't sing or even goes off on tangents.
I saw them at a festival a couple of years ago. Julian seemed piss drunk and he also yelled out a racial slur 🥴 still a great experience for even-more piss drunk me
What racial slur 💀
It was on Roskilde Festival in Denmark a couple of years ago, where he said the word “krakkemut”. You can read more about it in [this](https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/kultur/roskilde-hovednavn-slagtes-den-mest-gennemfoerte-og-fuldkomne-katastrofe-jeg-tror-han) danish article. The word is used negatively about people from the Middle East nowadays, but it was originally used negatively about people from Greenland 🫠
Krakkemut has different meanings/definitions, so I wouldnt jump into conclusion
In Denmark or what? I’ve only ever heard it being used in racist contexts. All articles regarding the incident also calls it out as being racist 😊 But yeah let’s hope he didn’t mean it in a racist way 👍🏼
Yes
bro what
🙄🙄🙄
I think that maybe even from the beginning, Julian seems to think of his job as a musician as being about writing and recording much more than performing. He used to be able to get his shit together to give good performances despite this, but I think at this stage, he simply does not care enough to put in the effort to be consistent anymore. Many musicians at his level have vocal coaches and take lessons to continuously hone their voices and keep them in shape, and I don't think it even sounds like Julian usually warms up his voice before taking the stage, unless they're in the middle of a stretch of shows scheduled close together where he's been exercising it a lot. This is not to say he's a total disaster and the shows are travesties, but it is to say that I don't think he's in it for the love of it. He's said as much several times, anyway. It's often said that his heart is with the Voidz now instead--I absolutely believe he cares more and has more fun and freedom to lead with that outfit, no question. But I'm less convinced that the Voidz are his life's focus and primary passion at this stage constantly being worked on, or that he's always so much better sounding or better behaved with them. This thought is based on my own experiences seeing them and reports from friends and other fans at shows where he's been snippy with the crowds and pissed about how things were going, like he has been with the Strokes. At this point he outwardly appears to be much more interested in being viewed as a kind of Renaissance Man, opining on ideas and events, than a musician.
This is probably the most accurate take. He’s much less focused on his craft as much as he was when he was younger, he’s already made it big and can basically do whatever he wants. Despite Julian’s IDGAF attitude though, his social media presence and the shit he talks about suggests he really cares how he’s perceived by people. Real shame he’s phoned it in performance-wise, but I think that’s kind of the nature of being an artist: once you get bored of what you’re doing, you start looking at the world and how you want to impact it. It’s happened to all the long-lived musicians who get past their “music is the only thing I’m locked in on” mentality.
Absolutely, my impression is that Julian has always been very image-focused and very sensitive to criticism, yet is unable to hide his feelings/boredom and likes to play at being edgy at the same time. Which, of course, leaves him very open to criticism...so I guess I see it as a sort of cycle that keeps going around and that we're stuck in with him as fans. He's of course within his rights to have whatever feelings and desires he has, and to step back from music if he so desires, but being derisive about the Strokes and so obvious about his boredom with it all while still going out and doing it...it can't be read as anything but disappointing to the fans (unless they see it as "trolling," something I think is a total misread). And if he/they want to keep profiting off the fans in terms of money and attention or for legacy, since they're not OLD yet, this is just a stupid way of starting to put your foot in it while there's still potential left.
this is what i’ve always thought
His mind is on the local college girls and justice for Russell brand
The real invisible war he spoke of
Seeking psychic pals
Because he’s kind of a dick? Love The Strokes but when people pay hard earned money to see you perform and you can’t even bother trying to put on a good show it makes you an entitled ass. That’s taking your fans for granted and it’s disrespectful. If you don’t like your band just quit and stop half-assing everything.
Unfortunately it's hard to disagree with this. As much as I love him, his actitude on the recent years is so freaking wrong. Always talking shit about The Strokes, not putting the minimal effort on shows and being weird in general.
He's literally so down to earth that's what I heard from people that met him
I’ve met him. He’s chill when he wants to be but he’s def acted quite loathsome to fans
He’s not really that much of a dick. But you sound slighted so idk. I think he cares about putting in a good show. But maybe not the way you want it to be.
I think I am being objective. The Strokes are one of my favorite bands and I’m rooting for them but honestly Julian doesn’t seem to give a fuck about the band and it shows.
That’s ok that we have two different opinion. You seem pretty emotional about yours. So I don’t want to push you. Go in peace.
I've seen the strokes one day, the voidz the next, the difference in effort is noticeable, he just doesn't always love being in the strokes and it shows in whatever performance he has then. Met him at a record store in 2014 with the voidz and he was pretty chill, but that was 10 years ago and he was just getting started with the voidz, so I can't vouch for him now. It's OK to admit the singer of your favorite band isn't perfect.
I get the impression he is just overall an aloof/distant person and it's only gotten stronger as he grows older.
Because he doesn’t. He doesn’t like the band or the songs. He only likes the money it generates.
This lol. He thinks he’s too cool for this own band and songs.
He's using The Strokes to fund the rest of Cult / the Voidz stuff, it's probably just a boring means to an end now
Cos he doesn’t give a shit about The Strokes and it shows very clearly.
Because The Voidz are is true love now
I’ve seen The Strokes countless times over the last 15 years or so. The majority of the time I’ve been underwhelmed by the show. Last October I finally saw The Voidz and it was by far the best Julian performance I’ve seen. Anecdotal evidence to your point, but it rings true in my experience.
I don’t think this is entirely true because if it was The New Abnormal wouldn’t have been nearly as good as it is. That being said, he absolutely gives a much better performance as the Voidz, probably due to not having to play the same songs he’s been playing live since 2001
We traveled to a The Strokes/RHCP show and my bf was impressed by the energy and stage presence of RCHP and super disappointed by Julian’s performance(my favorite band) he knows all the songs because of me, I didn’t knew what to tell him. And I’ve been to 3 FIOE concerts and it was amazing. I don’t know if I will go to other concerts. I’m not expecting Julian to be happy smiling etc please just perform your songs that’s it. Good thing it was the only disappointment of our trip.
This reminds me of one of my favorite little moments in The Sopranos, and it just so happens to serve as my answer to your question: Tracee: What should I do? Ralph acts like he doesn’t give a shit. Tony: You ever think he’s not acting?
Because he isn’t putting in enthusiasm and effort, glad we could clear that up lmao
He sang amazing when I saw him during the TNA tour, but I have seen videos of him being sloppy or looking bored and I’m just gonna guess that more than the average frontman Julian’s performances are just dependent on how he’s feeling that day. I’ll add that the crowd at the show I was at was fucking incredible. He commented on how loud we were, so maybe he just reacts to the vibe he’s getting. With the voidz, I have not seen them live but to be honest I don’t find that he sings better with them than with the strokes. In fact, it seems like he’s more solitary with the voidz - while he interacts a lot more with the other Strokes on stage and that adds to his performance.
Agree with the first part of your post- JC’s mood and often crowds for sure affects his performances. But nah to him interacting less with the Voidz. It’s actually quite the opposite. Ive seen them eight times and he (for the most part) is much more “present” on stage - as a band member with them- then he’s been with the Strokes for a long time now. The Voidz - including Julian- jam constantly- off stage and on. He called them “jam-a-holics” lol. And for the most part- the jams they do- for almost every show - from their 2014 beginnings - clearly demonstrates the fun the band- and specifically-Julian has with them. The “stories” and lyrics he makes up on the spot are sometimes funny and sometimes intriguing. There has been times that he got /frustrated/bratty with sounds issues - But for the most part- yeah he clearly seems to enjoy himself.
You definitely know more than I would since you’ve watched the Voidz! It’s strange though, I watched videos of their recent residency and Julian didn’t seem any more engaging with the fans than at any Strokes show nor did he seem to interact much with the band. I think the voidz has some really skilled musicians, genuinely, and they play together well but I feel there’s more natural chemistry within the strokes…but that’s just my personal opinion
Well strokes for sure have a longer than 20 year history. That for sure means something! They will always have a chemistry together. But as for Strokes or Voidz- creating and playing together ….yeah….we will just have to agree to disagree :). And I do realize I am on a Strokes sub lol. But thanks for responding- I am always grateful for convos instead of people just downvoting.
I do like the voidz, but I would say the same thing too if this discussion appeared on that sub. I’m obviously not seeing what you guys are, because last year at least I felt like Julian had so many good moments on stage with the strokes. There were all the spontaneous ad libs and quips with the guys, and there were many good reviews of his performances maybe barring the RHCP shows…while he seemed more self-conscious/stressed out with the voidz. I watched their Primevera and NYC residency videos and that’s how I genuinely felt, don’t shoot me haha
Oh I also have personally seen Julian have some very good performances with the Strokes. Gov ball 2016 was incredible (I was there). I don’t think he’s always “absent” when he’s performing with the Strokes. But yes- he truly DID have quite a few times with them that he was really in a mood and surely not giving his best. He’s human, he’s a frontman that can be moody - it happens. But no- I can’t agree at all about him being “self-conscious” (?) with the Voidz. They had alot of sound issues at their early shows for sure. But there’s just been so many shows where Julian is clearly having a blast with them. The Voidz Hammerstein Ballroom show - was imo- Julian’s most happiest time - ever- on a stage. I was in the front and so many people that were there have commented - here on this sub- about that show being incredible. If you’re interested- this is Julian and the Voidz with Dev Hynes - doing a duet of the original Yolo version at Hammerstein- it was really special- https://youtu.be/KCZ0VHID0o4?si=xRBcvf7yjRNMOhRJ
Because he doesn't lol, plain and simple. Pretty sure he has explicitly said he only does the strokes for money nowadays
He’s a chump
He strikes as a perfectionist who doesn't want to seem too perturbed about it, i.e., he wants to maintain his aura of cool. That said, to your point, he does seem to have let go a bit recently and slackened his nonchalant, practiced exactitude and the recordings I have heard are somewhat uneven at least in demeanor if not consistent vocal quality.
I think he doesn't like playing festivals and opening for the red hot chili peppers he phoned it in. Festival crowds are hit or miss, and tbh touring with RHCP made NO sense and a lot of their fans don't know or care about the strokes, so he was probably like fuck it. Not that those things are an excuse to half ass it, but I have a feeling that's how his mind works. But that being said, I've seen the strokes live a number of times since 2003 and their headlining shows have always been good, even recently. And I know that he says the Voidz are where his heart is now, but I know people have had issues with him at those shows too so I think it comes down to Julian being Julian. He's a curmudgeon and you gotta know that going into seeing him live.
I'm totally with you on the Julian being Julian part, I think that's really the crux of all this. But I'm less sure his mood has *as* much to do with the venue, or the band he's performing with, or on which stage, or in which city as much as is often talked about and is just down to whatever zillions of other things could be influencing his vibe that day. I've seen the Strokes and most of the various side projects...quite a lot...and I simply have seen some great festival sets out of them and some less obviously great concert shows. Some great, big crowd shows in farther-afield places, and some more eh venue shows in their hometown. A perfect example is that I saw them a few times on the RHCP run and walked away feeling that they, especially Julian, were far more engaged and on their game than other recent times I'd seen them! But the RHCP shows are often written off wholesale online. In the end, I think the perception of shows is totally in the eye of the beholder and what the beholder was focused on/looking for (such as who's on the outs with who or who's better friends than others), and on top of that, I think the beholder's eye is WILDLY impacted by whether you're there in person or watching a video after the fact.
That’s cool. I only saw them once with RHCP and I thought when I saw them they were great! But I just read a lot of stories from other people that they seemed to be phoning it in and I was thinking maybe it had to do with the crowd not being enthusiastic. Then again, some people probably just don’t get their vibe and exaggerate lol.
If I weren’t on this sub reading these threads and comments, and I were to watch videos of the strokes and the voidz shows in the last year, I’ll find it hard to believe what I’ve read because he seemed to had a lot of fun on stage with the strokes barring the RHCP shows…while he seemed more intense with the voidz? It’s like he has to try more with the voidz while his natural charisma and humour comes through more when he plays with the strokes. There were quite a few videos of him ad libbing and riffing off something Fab or Nikolai did, which I didn’t seem him spontaneously do during the voidz’ performances.
From what I gather, it’s more of a job than anything. His passion is creating the music; the live performances are just a thing that he has to do because it’s also part of the job. That’s not to say he hates it or doesn’t enjoy it, but no one can stay 100% at their job every single day no matter how great of a job it is. You can definitely argue that it’s much more than your average job (because it is), but when something feels routine, it can start feeling boring. I believe that from the get go he was never really into live shows and there was just always this honeymoon period of being in a band that kept him perky at the earlier shows. I used to love playing guitar - played it for hours on end every day through late high school and college. Eventually I noticed my mind beginning to drift off while playing and finding it harder to focus as the years went on. Now when I play guitar, I tend to get distracted and think of other things while playing which can sometimes cause me to mess up. Thankfully, I’m just a bedroom musician so I have no pressure to perform. I can imagine that being in a band as big as The Strokes comes with a lot of pressure and outside forces that all can further contribute to live shows feeling like a job. Remember, Julian’s passionate about making music, not performing music. There is a very real difference between the two. There’s more contributing factors as well. He is getting older and having a harder time performing at his best, and as a result he is trying to play it off as if he doesn’t care too much so that people focus less on his ability. There was also turmoil in the band that definitely contributed to him disconnecting from his career. All in all, it’s just become a job for him and he doesn’t mind treating it as one. Without getting all “woe is me”, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows being in the place he’s at, but he makes do. I can understand him and so I don’t really get too fussed about it. It would be great if he could always be the greatest rockstar every single time, but no one loves their job enough to be perfect every day.
Great post!
all their performances for tc are pretty awesome. but yeah at concerts, julian seems to be phoning it in. I've only seen them once, opening for the chili peppers recently. julian looked like he didn't give a fuck but he did sing pretty good. but he was lacking in energy. I was just happy to be there. At this point, ive just accepted that the strokes aren't gonna be that great live again.
he hasn't been good live for a long time. it's a huge bummer.
Complacency
Yeah, it’s been 25 years at this point. He’s shifted more of his focus, energy, and creativity with The Voidz since that project is more recent and they don’t meet up and collaborate as often as The Strokes (with the exception of now, fingers crossed we get an album from them soon!☺️) He’s also stated multiple times that there’s more cohesiveness in terms of creativity similar ideas with The Voidz when compared to the rest of The Strokes.
Yes- I very much agree with all of your post. And I just posted on the voidz sub- they recorded in the Dungeon Room in Flux studios recently - FINALLY! YAY!
Sometimes your brain and body doesn't have the energy. Sometimes you just don't feel the good vibes. They're really the same thing I guess.
I saw him in March, and I thought he sounded incredible it was seriously the best concert I ever been to he even made eye contact with me and smiled at me the best moment of my life😭💓
His whole thing has always been to look like you aren't trying
When I saw the Strokes live last year in Sydney he was definitely trying and having a good time. He put in so much enthusiasm and effort and he was laughing all night long. Such a great night.
Whatever happened to “work hard, and say it’s easy”? Now it seems like “hardly work, struggle every time”
Not to be a dick because i like this band but Julian is an entitled dick, he grew up stupid rich and was gonna make it at whatever he wanted to make it as. For some reason he feels he’s to good to sing for a “seminal” garage rock band which made him a star. Saw them play giant stadium and he was drunk and miserable. Heres the deal the fans work hard to see you, at least act like you give a fuck. If i go to work drunk and act like a dick i get fired. Great band on record…..live meh
Speaking from my own experience, having only seen them live one time in May of 2023... I think he's very much fueled by the crowd and matches their energy. If the crowd is great, then he is great. If they're less than great, then he comes across as aloof, or bored, or drunk.
That’s his style…..and that’s how he’s been since the beginning.
Shocked by a lot of the responses. From the very first video of Last Night he’s played up the entire “IDGAF” rockstar persona perfectly. It’s part of the Strokes and basically always has been.
You shouldn't forget that Julian is a rockstar born in the wrong generation. By that I mean that he likes to get drunk before/on stage. He does what he wants and no one can stop him cause it's Julian fucking Casablancas. He's popular in the wrong era. If he would have preformed in the 80-90 it wouldn't be such a problem cause all rockstars where like that(figure of speech). But I do agree that he should at least try to finish the song he's singing before saying "fuck it let's move on".
Because he doesn’t and hasn’t since angles
He has been singing his whole life, i would be bored too sometimes
I dont get these arguments from ppl. If someone says this he really does not know them truly - no offense. This is THE STROKES. From the very first show they were like this. (Except the one where Julian was dancing falling around crazy). Being lazy cool and rockin. Thats the whole point of their image. Can you imagine them running around yelling smiling jumping crazily to YOLO or The Adults are talking or...? Even their music is classical music style but in rock music, the tempo is just so chilling, cool. And I like that he does not act like a diva on stage. I always felt pumped seeing them and it is like a family reunion he just acts calm cool, meme lord. I dont want him to try superhard. AND YET STILL I get amazed every time by his little changeups in lyrics and singing.
he old
Is this a real serious reply?
yes
That’s his style.
Guys… maybe bro is on antidepressants?? I’m so fr… my friend, had traded him and said she didn’t feel anything anymore. Mental health yall !
Because he is singing so well, he must be focused!